[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Health of the Borough of Pennington as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 5-28-2008 by BOH 2008-1[1]]
[1]
Editor’s Note: This ordinance also superseded former Ch. 136, Nuisances, comprised of former Art. I, Public Heath Nuisance Code, adopted 2-7-1983 by Ord. No. 347, as amended, and former Art. II, Additions to Public Health Nuisance Code, adopted 11-5-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-7.
The purpose of this article is to protect and promote the public health through the control, abatement and prevention of nuisances of a public health concern. Alleged infractions of the provisions and standards set forth will be investigated by an enforcing official in each case presented. Wherever there is a question as to the significance of an alleged infraction or the factual existence of an alleged infraction, the prudent judgment of the Health Officer or other enforcing official will prevail in the determination of a violation.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ABANDON
To desert, ignore, and fail to maintain a property in a safe, habitable condition.
ACCUMULATION
The gathering together and increasing in amount over a period of time.
ASHES
The residue from the burning of wood, coal or other combustible materials.
ATTRACTIVE NUISANCE
A potentially harmful object on or condition of the land that, by its features, tends to lure children or others.
BOARD OF HEALTH
The Borough Board of Health of the Borough of Pennington.
BOROUGH
The Borough of Pennington, County of Mercer, and State of New Jersey.
BUILDING
As specified in the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-1 et seq.
BUILDING CODE
The New Jersey Uniform Construction Code of N.J.A.C. 5:23-1 et seq.
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY
Any activity which is not a residential use or activity and includes, but is not limited to, gasoline stations, retail sales, professional activities including but not limited to medical, dental, legal, architectural, accounting, etc., personal services including real estate, insurance, barbershops, hairdressers, nail salons, etc., nurseries, landscaping businesses, farm stands, repair shops of all kinds, and amusements including but not limited to movies, skating rinks, bowling alleys etc., whether part of a shopping area or not and any other nonresidential use or activity.
COMMERCIAL PREMISES
As defined in the Borough Zoning Ordinances[1] and/or is any tract of land on which or on part of which commercial activity of any kind takes place.
CONTRACTOR
A person engaged in any business or service, including construction, repairing, refurbishing, remodeling or the demolition of buildings or grounds within the Borough.
DEVELOPED PROPERTY
Any premises on which a structure has been erected or other improvements have been made.
DWELLING
As specified in the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-1 et seq.; Regulations for the Maintenance of Hotels and Multiple Dwellings, N.J.A.C. 5:10-1 et seq.; Regulations Governing Rooming and Boarding Houses, N.J.A.C. 5:27-1 et seq.; New Jersey State Housing Code, N.J.A.C. 5:28-1 et seq., as may be the case.
ENFORCING OFFICIALS
Includes the Health Officer, Registered Environmental Health Specialist, Animal Control Officer, Zoning Officer, Construction Official, Fire Official or other official authorized by the Borough Board of Health to enforce this article.
EXTERIOR PROPERTY
Any space located between property boundary lines of the tax lot in question or the boundaries of any contiguous tax lots and any structure on the property.
EXTERMINATION
The control and elimination of insects, mice, rats and other pests by eliminating their harborage places; by removing or making inaccessible materials that serve as their food; by poison spraying, fumigating, and trapping or by any other approved pest elimination methods.
GOOD REPAIR
The structure is maintained in such a manner that there is no evidence of deterioration, or damaged or loose elements, and where appropriate, is capable of preventing the elements (rain, snow, wind) and rodents from entering the interior areas.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Wastes presenting a danger to health and safety by reason of their pathological, explosive, radiological or toxic characteristics.
INFESTATION
The presence, within or contiguous to a structure or premises, of insects, mice, rats, vermin or other pests quantities large enough to constitute health threat.
INSECTS
Those insects that have public health significance for disease transmission, property damage, such as cockroaches, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, bedbugs and termites, etc.
NOISE
Defined by the Noise Control Act or N.J.S.A. 13:1G, Noise Control Regulation N.J.A.C. 7:29 and the Model Noise Control Ordinance, or Pennington Borough Noise Ordinance[2] and or any prohibitive activities in this article.
NONRESIDENTIAL
Any type of commercial, industrial or similar activity, whether or not operating for a profit, occupying premises within the Borough and creating solid waste in any form.
NOXIOUS WEEDS
Any plant designated by a federal, state or county government as injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife or property. A noxious weed may be native or nonnative, invasive or noninvasive, and may also be commonly defined as a plant that grows out of place and is competitive, persistent, and pernicious. Examples include but are not limited to ragweed, poison ivy or oak, thistle, and multiflora rose.
OCCUPANT
Defined as specified in the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-1 et seq.; Regulations for the Maintenance of Hotels and Multiple Dwellings, N.J.A.C. 5:10-1 et seq.; Regulations Governing Rooming and Boarding Houses, N.J.A.C. 5:27-1 et seq.; New Jersey State Housing Code, N.J.A.C. 5:28-1 et seq., as may be the case.
OWNER
Defined as specified in the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-1 et seq.; Regulations for the Maintenance of Hotels and Multiple Dwellings, N.J.A.C. 5:10-1 et seq.; Regulations Governing Rooming and Boarding Houses, N.J.A.C. 5:27-1 et seq.; New Jersey State Housing Code, N.J.A.C. 5:28-1 et seq.; New Jersey Uniform Fire Code N.J.A.C. 5:70 et seq., as may be the case.
PERSON
Includes an individual, firm, corporation, association, society, partnership, and their agents or employees.
PREMISES
A house or building, together with its land and outbuilding.
PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN
Any matters, conditions or things that cause worry, solicitude, or anxiety for the health, safety and welfare of the public due to their dangerous or unsanitary nature.
PUBLIC RESTROOM
A room equipped with toilet facilities unarguably intended for public use in all public facilities and in establishments where commercial activity takes place.
RESIDENT
Any person occupying or maintaining a place of residence within the Borough.
RESIDENTIAL USE
A dwelling unit, such as a home, condominium, trailer or a multifamily dwelling of two or more units.
RODENTS
Those rodents that have public health significance for disease transmission, property damage such as mice, rats, bats and other burrowing rodents, etc.
SOLID WASTE
Any trash, garbage, junk, rubbish, refuse, litter, debris and other materials that when dumped, deposited, accumulated or abandoned create conditions of public health concern. This term shall include any animal or vegetable waste solids resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking or consumption of foods; discarded material such as glass, wood, yard debris, grass/brush clippings, stone, concrete, plastic, ashes, cloth, rags, paper, metal, tires, street cleanings, dead animals, manure, appliances, furniture, equipment, automobiles, solid market wastes, construction materials, industrial wastes, chemical wastes, recyclable materials and containers, and all discarded appliances.
USABLE MATERIALS
Properly stored, are nonperishable materials stored for new construction or other items intended to be used within 30 days and are stored off the ground and maintained in such a manner that they do not provide habitat for insects or rodents.
WATER DRAINAGE AND ACCUMULATION
The runoff, discharge or drainage of water from any premises or building which results in the accumulation of stagnant water. This subsection shall not apply to water retention areas and or reservoirs approved by the municipal engineer.
WEEDS
The growth, existence or presence of any noxious weeds of any height, or the growth, existence or presence of any other weeds or plant growth in excess of 10 inches. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs; provided, however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers, landscaped areas and gardens.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 215, Zoning.
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 133, Noise.
A. 
Any matter, thing, condition or act which after investigation by the Health Officer or other enforcing official is deemed to be injurious, detrimental or a menace to the public health or environment or is deemed to be an annoyance or interfere with the comfort or well-being of the inhabitants of the Borough is hereby declared to be a nuisance and shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) 
Pollution or the existence of a condition or discharge or release which causes or threatens pollution of any surface water or subsurface water of the Borough.
(2) 
The escape or entrance into open air/outdoor environment from any stack, vent, chimney, process or from any fire of such quantities and duration of smoke, fly ash, dust, fumes, vapors, mists, or gases that tend to be injurious to human health or welfare, animal or plant life or property, or would unreasonably interfere with the enjoyment of life or property throughout the Borough.
(3) 
The growth, existence or presence of ragweed, of 10 inches in height or greater, or in such a quantity so as to cause damage or injury to adjacent properties or be a public health concern, on any plot of land, lot, highway, street, sidewalk, right-of-way or any other public or private place within 200 feet of an occupied dwelling.
(4) 
The growth, existence or presence of poison ivy, of 10 inches in height or greater, or in such a quantity so as to cause damage or injury to adjacent properties or be a public health concern, within 20 feet of an adjoining property line of an occupied residential or commercial property, sidewalk or right-of-way.
(5) 
The growth, existence or presence of any weeds or noxious weeds, of 10 inches in height or greater, or in such a quantity so as to cause damage or injury to adjacent properties or be a public health concern, on any approved residential or commercial property with the exception of approved state, county or local designated conservation areas or other restricted use areas. Subdivision lots approved but not issued a final certificate of occupancy are included.
(6) 
All residential and commercial lawn areas are to be maintained and mowed and may not exceed 10 inches in height. Areas allowed to return to natural conditions must be approved by the Health Department per § 136-4 of this article.
(7) 
The existence or presence of dead and dying trees or limbs on any land within 50 feet of an adjoining dwelling or within 20 feet of an adjoining residential property line.
(8) 
Any dead or dying tree that harbors insects or rodents.
(9) 
The presence on any plot of land, highway, street, right-of-way or any other public or private place of any solid waste, but excluding usable materials properly stored. The practice of composting shall not fall within the meaning of this subsection, provided that such compost pile, mound or area is maintained on one's own private property and is properly maintained so as not to present offensive odors, the breeding or harborage of flies or other insects, rodents, vermin or any other public health nuisance.
(10) 
Depositing, dumping, accumulating, maintaining or otherwise allowing any matter or thing which serves as food for insects or rodents and to which they may have access or which serves or constitutes a breeding place or harborage for insects, rodents or pigeons of a public health significance in or on any land premises, building or other place.
(11) 
The existence or presence of any accumulation of solid waste which may attract insects, rodents or other vermin and to which insects, rodents or other vermin may have access, or in which they may breed or dwell.
(12) 
The existence or presence of any water or other liquid in which mosquito eggs, larvae or pupae exist or of any condition which allows water to lie, pond, stand or otherwise accumulate so as to provide a breeding environment for mosquitoes. The meaning of this subsection shall not apply to ponds where fish are adequately maintained so as to preclude the breeding of mosquitoes. This section shall not apply to fountains or swimming pools which maintain adequate circulation to preclude the breeding of mosquitoes.
(13) 
The keeping of any animal or animals in such a manner as to cause or present a source of foulness, odors or breeding of insects, rodents or other vermin.
(14) 
The existence or maintenance of any condition which may reasonably constitute a safety hazard, an attractive nuisance or otherwise present a threat to the safety and well-being of the inhabitants of the Borough or of the public at large, including but not limited to the following:
(a) 
Any vacant building which is not adequately sealed, boarded up or otherwise secured so as to preclude the entry of inquisitive minors or others. (See also, the New Jersey Fire Code.)
(b) 
Any excavation, depression, hole, shaft, abandoned or unused well which is of such depth or dimension so as to present a hazard in terms of one falling into or being entrapped therein and which has not been adequately fenced or sealed so as to prevent injury or harm.
(c) 
Any discarded refrigerator, cabinet, automobile or other piece of equipment, machinery, device or material which may offer or present an enclosure and a hazardous attraction to children or others which has not been properly sealed or discarded.
(d) 
Any dead or dying trees or limbs in such proximity to a dwelling, building, street, sidewalk, pathway, right-of-way, thoroughfare, driveway, park, playground or other frequented area where the falling of the tree or part thereof would endanger life, threaten injury or damage property.
(15) 
The willful abandonment of any domestic animal within the boundaries of the Borough.
(16) 
Accumulation and storage of solid waste on any private or commercial property unless properly contained or stacked for disposal for 14 days or more.
(17) 
Placement of solid wastes at curb for more than five days prior to the scheduled pickup date. All items must be removed after the fifth day if not collected due to weather or the fault of the hauler. Nonpayment of contractor for these services is not an acceptable reason for allowing items to remain.
(18) 
Any sidewalk, walkways, driveway, parking spaces or similar area containing cracks, potholes, or other defect which creates a hazardous condition or which is obstructed by plant growth or other natural or artificial barrier.
(19) 
The runoff, sump pump discharge or drainage of water from any premises or building which results in the accumulation of ice, stagnant water or discharges on public roadways or onto an adjoining property in an uncontrolled (via pipe or swale) manner without permission of adjoining property owner. This subsection shall not apply to water retention areas when properly maintained and cleaned of silt and debris and or reservoirs approved by the Borough officials.
(20) 
Public restrooms shall be kept in good repair; all surfaces of fixtures, walls and floors are cleaned on a regular schedule and must be provided with running hot and cold water of adequate pressure per plumbing code. A supply of toilet paper, soap and hand drying supplies or equipment shall be provided at all times. Hand washing signs shall be posted.
(21) 
Outdoor lighting fixtures that are not shielded and not constructed to prevent illumination beyond the property on which they are installed, including lights controlled by motion detectors, shall be turned off between 10:00 p.m. and sunrise. Lighting shall be presumed to prevent illumination beyond the property if it is shielded and directed downward and no direct light is emitted above a plane extending outward from the base of the light source parallel to the ground. Illumination beyond the property between 10:00 p.m. and sunrise is prohibited.
[Added 2-6-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-5]
B. 
It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to commit, maintain or allow any nuisance, as declared and described in this section.
A. 
Whenever cultivated farmland is no longer actively farmed and considered for development or conversion to preserved open space, there is a tendency to allow these lands to convert back or to go unmowed, to the extent that they are creating a public health nuisance with such condition including wildlife harborage and nuisance weeds problems for both adjoining residential lot owners and farmers. Therefore, these lands are to be stabilized with appropriate vegetation, pre-emergent weed control or mowed.
B. 
In residential subdivisions, the owner, tenant or occupant of lands may make an application to the Health Department to allow land to revert back to its natural condition, but in such a manner that will not allow for the establishment of noxious weeds or rodent harborage. Reforesting with one-half to two-inch diameter or larger assorted pines and hardwood trees is recommended. Wildflower areas are to be maintained and mowed annually.
C. 
The application will require submission of a survey of the subject land.
D. 
The plan must be consistent with recommendation of the Horticulturist from Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension of Mercer County.
A. 
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any building to allow occupancy as a residence which is not in compliance the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-1 et seq.; Regulations for the Maintenance of Hotels and Multiple Dwellings, N.J.A.C. 5:10-1 et seq.; Regulations Governing Rooming and Boarding Houses, N.J.A.C. 5:27-1 et seq.; New Jersey State Housing Code, N.J.A.C. 5:28-1 et seq., as may be the case.
B. 
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any building to allow occupancy as a business, commercial or industrial establishment which is not in compliance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-1 et seq. and/or where the New Jersey Department of Labor and Industry or the United States Occupational Safety and Health Act provides otherwise.
A. 
All places and premises in this Borough shall be subject to inspection by the Health Officer or other enforcing official if that official has reason to believe that any section of this article is being violated.
B. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to hinder, obstruct, delay, resist or prevent the Board of Health or other enforcing official upon presentation of identification from having full access to any place or premises upon which a violation of this code is believed to exist. In the event that entry to any place or premises is denied by any owner or tenant, the enforcing official shall obtain the appropriate warrant for entry through the Municipal Court.
A. 
Whenever a nuisance as declared by § 136-3 of this article is found on any plot of land, lot, right-of-way or any other premises or place, a violation shall be given to the owner, in writing, to remove or abate the same within such time as shall be specified therein but not less than five days from the date of service thereof. Notice to the owner of the violation and the time to abate, shall be deemed complete as of the date of the violation notice if served personally on the property owner. Notice to the owner of the violation and the time to abate shall be deemed complete three days after the date on the violation notice, if served by regular first class mail, or posted at or on the subject premises. If the owner resides out of state or cannot be notified speedily, such notices shall be left at the place or premises with the tenant or occupant or posted on the premises, and such action shall be considered proper notification to the owner, tenant or occupant. Notice to the owner, tenant or occupant of the violation and the time to abate shall be deemed complete as of the date of the violation notice, if served personally on the tenant or occupant. Notice of the violation and the time to abate shall be deemed complete three days after the date on the violation notice, if served by regular first class mail, or posted at or on the subject premises.
B. 
Whenever a nuisance as declared by § 136-3 of this article is found on any public property or on any highway or any other public premises or place, notice in writing shall be given to the person in charge to remove or abate the same within such time as shall be specified therein.
C. 
The cost of abatement shall be borne by the property owner.
D. 
If such person fails to comply with such notice within the time specified therein, the Health Officer or other enforcing official may remove, abate or cause the cleanup of the nuisance in the manner as hereinafter provided.
Whenever the owner, tenant or occupant notified has not complied with the notice as specified and the nuisance has not been abated or removed under the direction of the Health Officer or other enforcing official, any cost or expense incurred for abating or removing or causing to be abated or removed the nuisance or condition may be recovered in the following manner:
A. 
Such costs and expenses shall be certified to the Tax Assessor and shall become part of the taxes next assessed against the premises upon which the nuisance or condition was located;
B. 
Where it is not possible or practical to proceed under Subsection A, the cost or expense shall be recovered in an action at law in any court of competent jurisdiction;
C. 
Regardless of how costs are actually recovered, they shall be in addition to and shall not affect the imposition of any penalties for the violation of this article.
The provisions of this article shall be enforced by the Health Officer or other enforcing officials as defined herein. Enforcement shall be in the municipal court having jurisdiction over proceedings to enforce and collect any penalty imposed because of a violation of any provision of this article. The proceedings shall be summary and in accordance with the Penalty Enforcement Law (N.J.S.A. 2A:58-1 et seq.[1]). Process shall be in the nature of a summons or warrant and shall be issued by those authorized by the local Board of Health.
[1]
Editor's Note: N.J.S.A. 2A:58-1 through 2A:58-9 were repealed by L. 1999, c. 274, § 4. See now N.J.S.A. 2A:58-10 et seq.
A. 
Maximum penalty. Any person who shall violate any provision of this article shall, upon conviction thereof, be punishable by one or more of the following: a fine not exceeding $2,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 90 days or to a period of community service not exceeding 90 days at the discretion of the Judge of the Municipal Court.
B. 
Separate violations. Except as otherwise provided, every day in which a violation of any provision of this article or any other ordinance of the Borough exists shall constitute a separate violation.
C. 
Application. The maximum penalty stated in this section is not intended to state an appropriate penalty for every violation. Any lesser penalty, including a nominal penalty or no penalty at all, may be appropriate for a particular case or violation.
D. 
Minimum penalty. The Borough Committee may prescribe that, for the violation of any particular code provision or ordinance, at least a minimum penalty shall be imposed which shall consist of a fine which may be fixed at an amount not exceeding $100.
[Adopted 12-4-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-19]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ABANDONED PROPERTY
Defined as set forth in the Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act, N.J.S.A. 55:19-78 et seq., which provides:
A. 
Except as provided in N.J.S.A. 55:19-83, any property that has not been legally occupied for a period of six months and which meets any one of the following additional criteria may be deemed to be abandoned property upon a determination by the public officer that:
(1) 
The property is in need of rehabilitation in the reasonable judgment of the public officer, and no rehabilitation has taken place during that six-month period;
(2) 
Construction was initiated on the property and was discontinued prior to completion, leaving the building unsuitable for occupancy, and no construction has taken place for at least six months as of the date of determination by the public officer pursuant to this article;
(3) 
At least one installment of property tax remains unpaid and delinquent on that property in accordance with Chapter 4 of Title 54 of New Jersey Statutes as of the date of a determination by the public officer pursuant to this article; or
(4) 
The property has been determined to be a nuisance by the public officer in accordance with the standards set forth at N.J.S.A. 55:19-82.
B. 
A property which contains both residential and nonresidential space may be considered abandoned pursuant to N.J.S.A. 55:19-78 et seq. so long as two-thirds or more of the total net square footage of the building was previously legally occupied as residential space and none of the residential space has been legally occupied for at least six months at the time of the determination of abandonment by the public officer and the property meets the criteria of either Subsection A(1) or (4) of this definition.
EVIDENCE OF VACANCY
A. 
Any condition that on its own or combined with other conditions present would lead a reasonable person to believe that the property is or has been vacant for three or more months. Such evidence would include, but is not limited to, evidence of the existence of two or more of the following conditions at a property: overgrown or dead vegetation; accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers or mail; past-due utility notices or disconnected utilities; accumulation of trash, junk or debris; the absence of window coverings such as curtains, blinds or shutters; the absence of furnishings or personal items consistent with residential habitation; statements by neighbors, delivery agents, or government employees that the property is vacant or abandoned; infestation by insects, vermin, rats or other pests; windows or entrances that are boarded up or closed off; multiple window panes that are damaged, broken or unrepaired; doors that are smashed, broken, unhinged or continuously unlocked; or any uncorrected violation of a municipal building, housing or similar code during the preceding year.
B. 
Property determined to be abandoned property as defined herein and in the Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act, N.J.S.A. 55:19-78 et seq., shall also be deemed to be vacant property.
OWNER
Includes the title holder, any agent of the title holder having authority to act with respect to a vacant property, any foreclosing entity subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 46:10B-51, or any other entity determined by the Borough of Pennington to have authority to act with respect to the property.
VACANT PROPERTY
In addition to any property determined to be an abandoned property, any building used or to be used as a residence which is not legally occupied or at which substantially all lawful construction operations or residential occupancy has ceased for a period of at least three months, and any commercial property that has not been legally occupied or at which substantially all lawful construction operations have ceased for a period of at least three months. Any property that contains all building systems in working order, is being maintained on a regular basis, has not been cited by the Borough for any violation of municipal ordinance within such time and is being actively marketed by its owner for sale or rental shall not be deemed vacant.
A. 
The owner of any vacant property as defined herein shall, within three days after the building becomes vacant property or within 30 days after assuming ownership of the vacant property, whichever is later, file a registration statement for each such vacant property with the Borough Construction Code Official on forms provided by that office for such purposes. The registration shall remain valid until the end of the calendar year. The owner shall be required to renew the registration annually, no later than January 31, as long as the building remains vacant property and shall pay a registration or renewal fee in the amount prescribed in Chapter 98 of the Borough Code for each vacant property registered.
B. 
Any owner of a building that meets the definition of a vacant property prior to the effective date of this article shall file a registration statement for that property on or before 30 days from the effective date of this article. The registration statement shall include the information required under this article as well as any additional information that the Construction Code Official may reasonably require.
C. 
The owner shall notify the Construction Code Official within 30 days of any change in the registration information by filing an amended registration statement on a form provided by the Construction Code Official for such purpose.
D. 
The registration statement shall be deemed prima facie proof of the statements therein contained in any administrative enforcement proceeding or court proceeding instituted by the Borough of Pennington against the owner or owners of the building.
The registration statement shall include the name, street address, email address and telephone number of a natural person 21 years of age or older, designated by the owner or owners as the authorized agent for receiving notices of code violations and for receiving process in any court proceeding or administrative enforcement proceeding, on behalf of such owner or owners in connection with the enforcement of any applicable code. The designated agent must have a contact number that will be available 24 hours per day on an emergency basis. The statement shall also include the name of the person responsible for maintaining and securing the property, if different from the designated agent. An owner who is a natural person and who meets the requirements of this article as to availability of a contact number on a twenty-four-hour emergency basis may designate himself or herself as agent.
By designating an authorized agent, the owner consents to receive any and all notices of code violations concerning the registered vacant property and all process in any court proceeding or administrative enforcement proceeding brought to enforce code provisions concerning the registered building by service of the notice or process on the authorized agent. Any owner who has designated an authorized agent under the provisions of this article shall be deemed to consent to the continuation of the agent's designation for the purpose of this article until the owner notifies the Borough of Pennington of a change of the authorized agent or until the owner files a new annual registration statement. The designation of an authorized agent in no way releases the owner from any requirement of this article.
After filing a registration statement or a renewal of a registration statement, the owner of any vacant property shall provide access to the Construction Code Official if requested, following reasonable notice, during the period covered by the initial registration or any subsequent renewal. If an inspection is required of the interior of the property due to complaints or other cause, the fee for such inspection shall be the same as that for a certificate of occupancy inspection as provided in Chapter 98 of the Borough Code.
The registration fee for each building, initially and annually, is set forth in Chapter 98 of the Borough Code.
The owner of any building that has become vacant as defined herein, and any person maintaining, operating or collecting rent for any such building that has become vacant, shall, immediately:
A. 
Post a sign affixed to the inside of the building indicating the name, street address, email address and telephone number of the owner, the owner's authorized agent for the purpose of service of process, and the person responsible for the day-to-day supervision and management of the building, if such person is different from the owner holding title or authorized agent. The sign shall be of a size and placed in such a location so as to be legible from the nearest public street or sidewalk, whichever is nearer, but shall be no smaller than 15 inches by 17 inches;
B. 
Enclose and secure the building against unauthorized entry as provided in the applicable provisions of the Borough Code, and maintain the sign required in Subsection A above until the building is again legally occupied or demolished or until repair or rehabilitation of the building is complete;
C. 
Make provision for the maintenance of the lawn and yard, including regular grass cutting as required by the applicable provisions of the Borough Code;
D. 
Make provision for the cessation of the delivery of mail, newspapers and circulars to the property;
E. 
Make provision for the winterizing of the property by the cessation of water service to the property and the draining of waterlines;
F. 
Make provision for the cessation of electric or gas utility services to the property; and
G. 
Make provision for the regular maintenance of the exterior of the property.
A. 
Any owner who is not in full compliance with this article or who otherwise violates any provision of this article or of the rules and regulations issued hereunder shall be subject to a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000 for each offense. Every day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. Fines assessed under this article shall be recoverable from the owner and shall be a lien on the property.
B. 
For purposes of this article, failure to file a registration statement in time, failure to provide correct information on the registration statement, failure to comply with the provisions of § 136-17, or such other matters as may be established by the rules and regulations of the Borough shall be deemed to be in violation of this article.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this article is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof.